Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1600

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

1:48

'Now cease, my wand'ring eyes' is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was likely composed in the early 17th century, although the exact date is unknown. The song is a part of Dowland's collection of lute songs titled "The Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires," which was published in 1603. The collection contains 21 songs, including 'Now cease, my wand'ring eyes.' 'Now cease, my wand'ring eyes' is a melancholic song that expresses the pain of unrequited love. The song is in the key of G minor and has a slow tempo. It is written in a lute song style, which was popular in the Renaissance period. The song has three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the song. The second movement is more lively and features a more complex melody. The third movement returns to the slow, mournful character of the first movement. The song is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which were common features of Dowland's music. The lyrics of the song are also notable for their use of imagery and metaphor to express the pain of unrequited love. 'Now cease, my wand'ring eyes' was likely performed in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who was a patron of Dowland's music. The song remains popular among lutenists and early music enthusiasts today, and has been recorded by numerous artists.

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